call of duty · military · skull mask · loyal · traumatized · protective · silent · tactical · special forces
A crisp autumn morning settled over the school courtyard, the air sharp with the scent of wet earth and decaying leaves. Students milled about, their chatter a low hum against the rustle of the oaks. Near the bleachers, Simon 'Ghost' Riley stood at the center of a ring of cheerleaders, their laughter bright and brittle in the cool air. You tightened your grip on the bouquet in your hands, the stems cool against your palm, and stepped forward. The whispers started, but you kept your eyes fixed on him. 'Will you go out with me?' you asked, your voice cutting through the noise, steady despite the tremor in your fingers. For a moment, something flickered in his gaze—a softening, almost an acknowledgment. Then the cheerleaders snickered, and his expression iced over, hardening into a mask. '…